what tire size for SLK rims on 190E - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

frosty · #1 04-15-2003, 09:30 PM

Hi guys!

Well, I got my SLK tires! And it was a great buying experience; the guy was cool, and I feel I got a good deal. OKay, here is the nitty-gritty.

FRONT: 16x7 with 205/55/16 tires
REAR: 16x8 with 225/50/16 tires

Now, I understand the rear 225/50/16 won't fit on my 190E. My question is can I have this set up for my 190E?

FRONT: 16x7 with 205/55/16 tires
REAR: 16x8 with 205/55/16 tires

Is there a better set up?
Will the 16x8 rims really cause any fitting problems?

Thanks!

Limited Edition · #2 04-16-2003, 08:22 AM

I have 16 x7.5 Mono II's with an 35mm Offset

I have 205/50/16's up front with no rubbing and I have 205/55/16's in the back that rub on big bumps. I test fitted 225/50/16's on the back and experienced no rubing.

Regards,

Don

Luke@tirerack · #3 04-16-2003, 09:06 AM

I agree with the 205/50-16 size and you could use a 225/45-16 rear

Chiragp · #4 04-16-2003, 12:45 PM

I agree with luke. However, I had the 16x8s and they rubbed in the back even with my fenders rolled before I lowered it. However, some have been able to get away with it, especially 16v 201s so who knows...I guess its a luck thing. However, I would say try the Yoko AVS ES 100 in 205/50/16 in the front, and 225/45/16.

frosty · #5 04-16-2003, 04:17 PM

Thanks guys! I forgot to mention that my car is a 1990 190E 2.6 with no fender flaring. Chiro, you mentioned that your rear fenders have been flared. Will the 16x8 rear SLK rims fit on my 190E with no flaring? I read one of your posts where you said that you had the 16x7 in front and the 16x8 in the rear. I didn't know your resr fenders were flared. Please tell me I don't need to flare any fenders. Thanks.

E DREAM · #6 04-19-2003, 07:03 PM

I have a 1991 190E 2.6 5-SPEED with a sportline package on it ( lowering/sport springs) I have installed SLK rims 16x7 front and 16x8 rear. My tires are 205 50 16 front and rear. THE SHEETMETAL ON MY CAR IS STOCK. This combination works really well for me given that I autocross and track my car. I can tell you front personal experience that you CANNOT USE any of the tires from the SLK because they WILL RUB on the front and the rear. The 225 45 16 might look a little better in the rear, but I think it will limit your tire choices somewhat ( no offense Luke ). The 205 50 16 is a common size to lots of tire manufacturers. If you would like to speak further about this email me at drmspce@aol.com and
I will go into lots more detail. I have lots of experience with the 190E and lots of wheels and tires in my garage

if you post an email address, I will email you lots of pictures of my car with the SLK rims and other goodies :p

Chiragp · #7 04-19-2003, 10:24 PM

Many tires manufacturers do not list a 205/50/16 to fit on a 16x8 wheel. I've had SLK wheels to, and actually had 2 sets. One staggered and one with all 16x7s. I got pictures too. The fact is, that E-dream is right about finding tires. But it is even more difficult to find out which 205/50/16 is approved for a 8" wide wheel. If the tire is not approved for a wide wheel, its vey easy to see a tire malfunction and blow, or seperate from the wheel.

Do a simple search at tirerack, and look at 205/50/16s.

Dunlop SP Sport FM901, Yokohama AVS ES100, Sumitomo HTR Z II, FirehawK GTA 02...and tuns more only approve a 16x5.5"-7.5" wide rim for a 205/50/16.

Looking at the list of tires, only Pirelli PZeros and P7 (BFGoodrich Radial T/A is also, but its S-rated, so I wouldn't cosider it) approve using a 205/50/16 on an 8" wide rim. So talk about limitations. Yes you could probably get by and put a 205/50/16 on your car...But I'm telling you from experience and a little more first hand knowledge...

If you have the staggered wheels, go 205/50/16 up front, 225/45/16 in the rear. Yes the Rear will be wider, and it might even rub. But if it does, then and then only worry about doing a fender roll (most speed/performance wheel tire shops do a nice job for $100.)

Ask Luke, A great Ultra High performance Tire is the Yokohama AVS ES100. Look at:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/uhp.jsp

Look at the tires rated the highest, and then see what is available in your sizes. Only the Yokohama AVS ES100 can be had in both sizes that still offer a great price.

205/50/16 - $77
225/45/16 - $91.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=AVS+ES100

E Dream, if you autocross your car, it would be more important that you make sure your 205/50/16 is approved for a 16x8. Ask Rick at RC Imports, I think I remember him or mike Skees talking about a disaster that almost occured because of that error. He races nothing but 190Es. Mike had the 91 190E-3.2-24v conversion on his car.

Anyhow, like mentioned. First thing, get the right tires. Second if it does rub, then worry about a fender roll. This is why I bought the 16x7s all around and sold the 16x8s. I didn't want to deal with that. But then I upgraded to 400E brakes and they didn't clear the brakes. So I sold both sets.

Any how, good luck.
Charlie.

E DREAM · #8 04-20-2003, 07:38 PM

The 205 50 16 tires on my car are toyo fz4's which are an all season tire. The size and fitment was recommended by the guys at The Radial Tire Co. in Silver Spring Md. after they saw the SLK rims on my car. I have been buying high performance tires from them for 15 years and I highly trust their opinion. I have had no problems what so ever with these tires in combination with the SLK rims on my 190E. No offense to anyone on this forum, this is just my experience !!!!! As far as tracking my car, I have a set of toyo RA1 track tires for that purpose. The size of them is 225 50 15 and they are mounted on 15x7 rims all the way around. The 225 width has definate advantages on the track. Not sure about the street. I prefer the look of the 8 inch wheel on the rear of my car as opposed to the 7 inch wheel though. Just my $.02

Chiragp · #9 04-20-2003, 07:51 PM

I know it probably works, but I'd still be safe and avoid 205/50/16s that aren't approved for 16x8s. Since your in Silver Spring you know RC-Imports I'm sure there in Rockville.

Anyhow, I use to autocross mine too, and did so with the 16x7s and 215/50/16 BFG T/A KDW.

However, I had the FZ4s on my car in 215/40/17s, and took them off (still sitting in the garage with 9/32" tread) just didn't work for me. Happy with my Sumitomo HTR+ even though they aren't reinforced.

Though I don't drive the 190E anymore (Have an M3 now) I can tell you me and my family put a combined run of 120k on cars (father 45k, myself 40k, and mother 25k)

Tires (and gas) is what our car eats. I've done Michelin Pilot Sports, Falken 512s, BFG Comp TA VR4, Dunlop SP 5000, Sunlop SP Sport A2, Yoko Avid V4, Toyo FZ4, Sumitomo HTR+, Dunlop SP 9000, Michelin X-one, Michelin MXV4+, and so one....in short, I've gone extreme on handling, extreme on mileage, and now look for the best in compromise (some of those tires where on a Toyota Previa minivan) others on my m3 190e and ml430. In short, the tire that last the longest while being the most pleasing is the best....

I still recommend AVS ES100 in the staggered setup. If your wheels are staggered, it only makes sense you take full advantage and place staggered tires.

E DREAM · #10 04-20-2003, 08:21 PM

The toyo fz4 is a good street tire for all around performance. I do prefer Yokohama high performance tires as I have had them on several Acuras. I also have them on my 500E which has staggered wheels and tires. Totally in aggreement with ya on the staggered thing !!!!!!!!! I have several vehicles that I have to put tires on. Add in the cost of track tires and rubber starts to get expensive !!!!!!!!! my 190E is a daily driver so it makes more sense to have the same size tire all four corners

Washington DC streets are notorious for their appetite for rims and tires

Chiragp · #11 04-21-2003, 02:51 AM

I know, I've driven these roads for ever, and if I didn't have road hazard....i'd be in trouble.

E DREAM · #12 04-21-2003, 07:38 AM

My wife got her Masters Degree from GWU

E DREAM · #13 04-21-2003, 10:11 AM

got UR email, tried to send you pics without luck. Please call 703 973 3370 if you want to discuss off line

Chiragp · #14 04-21-2003, 10:21 AM

Just some that I still had on the page.

frosty · #15 04-21-2003, 11:46 AM

thanks guys! I really appreciate the info. Nice pics, chiragp. Are those center caps off the 190E? I was deciding on the blue crest center caps, but Performance cells them for about $15 a piece, and I'm sure the dealer will cost more. So those caps can wait. I just cannot wait to put those rims on my car and I still have my euros, which need to be installed in my car!